WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>"Cabaret" is on stage at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre through May 31. This week's theatre

Cabaret - "Cabaret," the hit Broadway musical is on stage at the

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre through May 31. The love story of a young novelist and an eccentric singer captures the spirit of pre-war Germany. Wilkommen! The words beckon you for some lively entertainment by the magnetic Emcee who welcomes you to Berlin. "Come to the Cabaret, old chum!" Ticket prices range from $25 to $52. Group discounts are available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Mr. Green - "Visiting Mr. Green," the final offering in its gala 10th anniversary season, runs through May 18 at the

Florida Repertory Theatre. Written by Jeff Baron, "Mr. Green" is a touching and heartwarming play about connecting and finding friendship in the most unexpected places. The production stars David S. Howard as Mr. Green, an actor remembered for his portrayal of Morrie Schwartz in Florida Rep's 2006 production of "Tuesdays with Morrie." Performances are Tues. - Sat. at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Wed., Sun. and selected Saturdays with a Twilight Performance at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. Subscriptions and single tickets are available through the box office 332- 4488, or visit Florida Rep online at www. floridarep.org.

>>"The Mischief Makers" is on stage at the Brick Bar May 10. The Bible: - "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)" runs through May 10 at Theatre Conspiracy's new home located at 2711 Park Windsor Dr #302, in Fort Myers. In this fun and irreverent comedy, three actors perform the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments in less than two hours. From Eve to Exodus through the epistles, the apostles and the gospels via fig leaves and final judgement and exploring deep meaningful theological topics such as: Was Jesus a good carpenter? Did Moses really look like Charlton Heston? Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. with select Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 or $10 for students with proper I.D. For tickets, complete directions or more information call (239) 936-3239. Dance Lessons - The delightful comedy, "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks," runs at the Sugden Community Theatre in downtown Naples through May 17. Written by Richard Alfieri, the show tells the story of a lady of a certain age who has retired to the West Coast of Florida, and signs up for a course of dance lessons in her own home. When the dance instructor arrives for the first lesson, sparks and banter fly as two strong personalities clash. Critics have described the show as "entertaining, thoughtful, razor sharp, charming, funny and genuinely moving." The Naples Players production stars Diane Davis and David Goguen, and is directed by Jeff Hoover. The show is performed Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets are available at The Naples Players Box Office, 701 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples, by telephone at (239) 263-7990 or online at www.naplesplayers.org

>>Catherine Truesdale conducts The SWF Symphony Children's Chorus in "Children of Hope" at 3 p.m. Princess and the Pea- Broadway Palm Children's Theatre presents "The Princess and the Pea," playing May 8, 9, 14, 16, 18, 23 and 24. "The Princess and the Pea" is the story of a handsome prince who is searching for a wife. Not being able to find out if the girls are really princesses, he gives up his search. One rainy night a girl comes to the prince's door claiming she is a princess and needs a place to sleep. To find out if she is truly a princess the prince places a tiny pea under 20 mattresses to see if she feels it, because no one but a real princess could be so sensitive. The chef's special buffet includes children's favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, chicken and more. Ticket prices for lunch and the show are only $15 for all ages. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm. com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

>>The cast of "Godspell" goes on stage at the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts beginning May 23. 42nd Street - The ultimate Broadway musical comedy, "42nd Street" will go on stage at Estero High School on Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m., in the Estero High School Auditorium. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students with an ID, and will be sold at the door. This landmark show, which is based on the classic 1933 movie musical of the same name, "42nd Street" is the story of a naive young actress named Peggy Sawyer (played by sophomore Anna Robbins) who arrives to audition for the new Julian Marsh (played by freshman Diego Rodriguez) extravaganza set to open on Broadway starring aging leading lady Dorothy Brock (played by senior Kelsey Thompson). A classic backstage story, "42nd Street" is a delightful throwback that the entire family will enjoy. For more information contact Estero High School 947- 9400 or the Drama Department at 273-7587.

This week's symphony

From the New World - The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra presents "From the New World," a special classical program under the baton of Music Director Jorge Mester. Performances take place Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, at 8 p.m. On the program: Dvorak's vibrant and dynamic "New World" Symphony, one of his most recognizable works; and two Tchaikovsky masterpieces: "Polonaise" from his great opera "Eugene Onegin," and the powerful "Piano Concerto No. 1," considered among the most popular piano concertos ever written. Joining the orchestra to perform it will be Joyce Yang. Tickets to 'From the New World' are $48 for adults and $20 for students. For more information or to order tickets, contact Customer Service at (239) 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www. thephil.org. The Philharmonic Center for the Arts is at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples.

Saturday, May 10

Art - The Naples Museum of Art will host a free-admission Family Day on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A number of special events relating to the current exhibition "Pablo Picasso: Preoccupations and Passions" are planned. The exhibition closes on Sunday, May 18. Included will be interactive bilingual storytelling with Carrie Sue Ayvar, face painting and temporary tattoos with Cori Scheft, portrait sketches by artist Jason Weber, hands-on art activities, a fun-filled treasure hunt, juggling clowns and more. All activities are free. Docent-guided tours of the museum take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. through May. The Naples Museum of Art is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The Mischief Makers - - The children's play "The Mischief Makers," presented by the Florida Repertory Theatre, is on stage at 11 a.m. at the Brick Bar in downtown Fort Myers. A lesson in world mythology and folklore, "The Mischief Makers" shows audiences what happens when three of the world's most famous and mischievous characters find themselves mysteriously thrown together on the same totem pole.For tickets and more information, contact Florida Rep's box office at 239- 332-4488. Please do not call the Brick Bar for ticket information. Children of Hope - Celebrate Mother's Day with the Southwest Florida Symphony Children's Chorus as they perform "Children of Hope" at 3 p.m. at Cypress Lake United Methodist Church in Fort Myers. Director Catherine Truesdale will conduct this program that includes moving songs of hope. Single tickets are $18 and may be purchased by calling the Symphony box office at 418-1500 or on line at www.swflso.org. Although tickets may be available at the door, it is strongly recommended they be purchased beforehand.

Monday, May 12

Kat Epple - Florida Repertory Theatre is holding a special to the season, a benefit concert given by Kat Epple, an Emmy Award-winning and Grammy nominated flautist and composer at 7 p.m. at the Historic Arcade Theatre in downtown Fort Myers. Epple will be playing flutes from around the world, including Celtic, Native American, African, Suling and bass flute. She will be performing with special guest musicians and performers, including: Chuck Grinnell, keyboard, D.L. Turner, harp, Lawrence Voytek, alternative audio, Nathan Dyke, percussion and didjeridu, Miko Amore, bass and James Taylor, mandolin. The original music will include a variety of musical styles and moods. Tickets are $20 and are available at www.floridarep.org/boxoffice or by calling (239) 332-4488. There will be an after-concert party at Space 39 Modern and Contemporary Gallery and Patio 33 Restaurant in the Patio de Leon in the Fort Myers River District.

Youth Orchestra - The Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, led by conductor Michael Simpson, will honor its graduating seniors with the season finale at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The orchestra will perform "Russian Easter Overture" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, "Danse Bacchanale" by Camille Saint- Saens and "Pops Hoedown" by Richard Hayman. The first place Concerto Competition winner, Katrina Allmendinger, will perform Mozart's Flute Concerto. The brass quintet, the woodwind quintet, the string quartet and "Sinfonietta," conducted by Nanette Grant, will also perform. Tickets for the concert are $7 and may be purchased by calling the Symphony Box Office at 418-1500. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the night of the performance.

Ongoing events

History - One of the greatest anthropological finds in history, "LUCY: The Story of Human Origins" spans 50 million years in scope, from the early primates to the dawn of humanity. This exhibition, at the SWFLMuseum of History in downtown Fort Myers, represents a historical frame of reference for the human timeline which includes this comprehensive collection of exact replicas of skeletons, skulls, footprints, tools, and artifacts dramatically illustrates the story of the progression of humankind on Earth. As part of the exhibit, the museum store will feature anthropological items and gifts and the best-selling book by the man who discovered her; "Lucy: The Beginning of Humankind," by Donald Johanson and Maitland Edey. The exhibit runs through June 12. Call (239) 332-5955 or visit www.cityftmyers. com/museum.

Call to artists - The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center has issued a Call for Artists to participate in "10 Illustrated: An NAA Members' Photography Exhibition." It will be installed in the Art Center from July 12 through Aug. 3, and selected images from those works will also be published in Naples Illustrated magazine. The Art Center and the magazine both turned 10 this year, and like brothers born near the same time, they will celebrate together to "take 10 to the max." The photography exhibition, therefore, is to be compiled from work based on a single theme - 10. There is no entry fee. Submissions are open to NAA members only and work may include photography or mixed media incorporating elements such as collage, photomontage, hand colored photographs, graphic design, compositing and computer illustration. Artwork receiving is Friday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, June 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Art Center, 585 Park Street or call (239) 262-6517 for more information.

Art - Rising Stars Art Studio will present "A Tropical Journey" from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Promedade at Cape Harbour, located at 5781 Cape Harbour Drive. The event will feature sculpture by David Lanier, paintings by Uschi Lanier, Maria Pia Malerba and Sarah Penna, digital imagery by Pam Brodersen, fused glass and glass jewelry by Lois Johnston and frescos by Cindylee Alexander and student photographer Jennifer Castle. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (239) 541-9992.

Art - "D3doubledogdare," an exhibit of the works of Dr. Warren J. Scherer M.D., PhD is now on display at Space 39 Modern & Contemporary gallery. The work utilizes the imagery, skepticism, and often iconoclasm of scientific research to examine aspects of human nature, society and hypocrisy of certain established mores. The exhibit will run until May 10. Space 39 Modern & Contemporary is located at 39 Patio de Leon, Fort Myers. For more information, call (239) 690- 0004 or visit www. spacethirtynine.com.

Call to artists - The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, a partnership program working to protect the natural environment from Venice to Estero Bay to Winter Haven, is encouraging artwork submissions for its 2009 calendar. People can submit up to three digitized entries by 5 p.m. on July 14. Qualifying images captured must be within the watershed of concern to the CHNEP, which includes all or portions of Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Polk and Sarasota counties. Entries and forms must be received by Maran Hilgendorf, CHNEP, 1926 Victoria Ave, Fort Myers FL33901- 3414 prior to the deadline. If you have any questions, please contact Maran at mhilgendorf@swfrpc.org.

Upcoming events

Art - The opening reception for "Reflexive," featuring the works of Pavol Roskovensky, will be held from 6-10 p.m. on May 17 at Space 39 Modern & Contemporary gallery. The artist explores a more naturalistic method of painting, creating images that are meticulously detailed and provide an almost spiritual transcendence. He explores the idea that true nature can not be rendered on a picture plane by a human hand. "Reflexive" will be on display until June 15. Space 39 Modern & Contemporary is located at 39 Patio de Leon, Fort Myers. For more information, call (239) 690-0004 or visit www. spacethirtynine.com.

Pops - The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra presents "Patriotic Pops," a stirring musical tribute to the United States of America, at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Thursday through Saturday, May 15-17 at 8 p.m. Maestro Jeff Tyzik will lead the orchestra in this rousing concert, featuring some of the most beloved and inspiring music ever written about the United States. The concert, titled "America - The Land We Love," will include Sousa's "The Liberty Bell," "Semper Fidelis," an inspiring Armed Forces Salute recognizing all branches of the military, and much more. Veterans of the military branches will be invited to participate. Tickets are $46 for adults and $20 for students. For more information or to order tickets, contact Customer Service at (239) 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org. The Philharmonic Center for the Arts is at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples.

Chamber - The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra's Chamber Ensemble will present "Piano Quintets," at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts on Tuesday, May 20 at 8 p.m. On the program: a staple of chamber music repertoire, Schumann's lyrical and stormy "Piano Quintet." This work established Schumann's reputation as a composer and remains a favorite of audiences worldwide. Also featured will be Haydn's lovely "Divertimento in F" for winds and Franck's chamber masterpiece, "Piano Quintet," beloved for its passionate opening and intensely driven final movement. Tickets are $29 for adults and $13 for students. For more information or to order tickets, contact Customer Service at (239) 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www. thephil.org. The Philharmonic Center for the Arts is at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples.

Godspell - The Creative Theater Workshop, Inc., formed in 1996 by Artistic Director Michelle Messina, will present the musical "Godspell" May 23-25 and May 29-31 at the Foulds Theater at the Alliance for the Arts. The Workshop has grown to be one of the most successful theater companies in Southwest Florida. It has produced three successful shows at The Alliance for the Arts. Tom Sawyer - The Musical in 2006, Annie, Jr., also in 2006, and The Wizard of Oz this past fall. Upcoming productions include "A Chorus Line" in July, "Cinderella" in November, and "Seussical the Musical" next Spring. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit CTW's Web site at www. creativetheaterworkshop.com.

Backyardigans - A national touring production of "The Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights" will stop at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on July 15 and 16 for two performances. Tickets are now on sale. Since its debut on Nickelodeon's preschool weekday lineup, "The Backyardigans" has become the No. 2-rated preschool show on all of commercial TV among the target audience of preschoolers. The shows will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $32.50, $27.50 and $17.50. For more information, call (239) 481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com.

Secret Garden - For its Naples summer musical extravaganza, The Naples Players bring to the stage "The Secret Garden," a production based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The book and lyrics for "The Secret Garden" were written by Marsha Norman; the music is by Lucy Simon. The Naples Players' production includes a cast of more than 30 and a full orchestra. Tickets for "The Secret Garden" are on sale at The Naples Players Box Office. Also on sale is a return of the summer dinner/show package offered by The Naples Players and Vergina Restaurant. Beginning Saturday, June 28 and continuing Wednesday through Saturday evenings until the last performance on August 2, the dinner/show package costs $48 for an adult. After enjoying a three course dinner at Vergina, the ticket holder then watches a performance of "The Secret Garden." On Sundays, dinner follows the matinee. Individual tickets for The Secret Garden cost $30 per adult and $10 for children under 18. The show opens June 27 (opening night is sold out) and runs through August 2. For reservations for the dinner/show package or for individual tickets to any performance, visit The Naples Players Box Office at 701 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples. The office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased by phone at (239) 263-7990 or at www.naplesplayers.org

Space 39 - Space 39 Modern & Contemporary gallery hosts a reception June 28, from 6-10 p.m. for "New Works" featuring the distinguished students of Florida Gulf Coast University. The gallery picked specific pieces from this juried group show to bring to Space 39 for your enjoyment. The exhibit will be on display from June 28 to July 19. Please call ahead for summer hours. For more information, call (239) 690- 0004 or visit www.spacethirtynine.com.